Mrs. Isla (Pat) Richardsor Poe, a businesswoman, poet and a long-time Tullahoma resident, died Friday at Kirby Pines Retirement Home in Memphis after an extended illness. She was 85 years old. She and her husband, the late Thurel J. Poe, lived for many years at 217 Campbell Ave. in Tullahoma. After his death in 1991, Mrs. Poe moved to Memphis to be near her son, Thurel James (Jim) Poe Jr. A native of Tullahoma, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Edward Richardson and Isla Paschal Richardson. Her father, who operated an insurance agency, was a former Tullahoma postmaster, city alderman and magistrate. Her mother was a noted poet and author, with seven volumes of poetry and three children's books published. In addition to her business interests, Mrs. Poe was also a poet. A collection of her verse was published last year under the title "Now and Then." With her husband and the late Gen. Austin Shofner, of Shelbyville, she founded Peonies Finance Co. in Tullahoma. She also owned a number of residential and business properties in downtown Tullahoma. An avid golfer, she was a member of the founding board of directors of Lakewood Country Club. Active in civic affairs she was a representative of the Community Greeting Service for more than 15 years, assisting in the relocation of many during the early years of Arnold Center. She also directed the 1960 federal census in the city.

In addition to her son in Memphis, she is survived by another son, Thomas Richardson Poe, Richmond, Va.; two grandchildren; two step-grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation at Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home will be from 6 to 8 p.m., today, March 19. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Oakwood Cemetery with the Rev. A. Richard Smith officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society or Coffee County Lannom Memorial Library in Tullahoma.